Vice President Mike Pence said “all options are on the table” when asked Monday whether the U.S. would consider using military force to remove Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power.
“President Trump has made it clear that while we hope for a peaceful transition, we hope that diplomatic and economic pressure and the voice of nations around the world will result in a peaceful transition. All options are on the table,” Pence told FOX Business Network host Trish Regan on Monday.
Earlier on Monday, the vice president traveled to Bogota, Colombia, where he met with Venezuelan interim leader Juan Guaido and announced sanctions against the Venezuelan government.
Pence said the U.S. was “simply not going to allow” Maduro’s regime to continue, indicating that the Trump administration would be willing to use military action if necessary.
“Our message is very simple,” Pence said. “To the people of Venezuela, including members of the Armed Forces: The United States of America stands with you if you will stand for freedom.
“It’s time for the members of the Armed Forces to look aside from the mask-wearing terrorists that make their way through the streets and threaten violence — to look aside from the brutality of the Maduro regime. To think of their children, to think of their families, to think of their country, and their future,” Pence said.
Over the weekend, violence broke out as opposition groups attempted to move food, medicine, and other supplies from Brazil into Venezuela. Many people were wounded, and at least one person died.
Pence said the U.S. would not tolerate any violence from Maduro’s regime.
“The Maduro regime should understand that any violence against Americans in Venezuela, any violence against President Guaido or his family or other opposition leaders, any violence against people that are simply standing in the streets to peacefully protest for freedom will not be tolerated by the United States of America and our allies,” he said.
[Opinion: No to US military action in Venezuela]
